Integrated composite filter and water purification system having the same

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefits of the following applications:

1) Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201410814047.1, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of P. R. China on Dec. 19, 2014,

2) Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201420826203.1, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of P. R. China on Dec. 19, 2014.

The entire content of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a field of water purification, and more particularly to an integrated composite filter and a water purification system comprising the same.

BACKGROUND

A water purification equipment in the related art adopts a water system of a multi-stage filter, in which a pre-filter is made of a PP (polypropylene) cotton or activated carbon and connected with a RO (reverse osmosis) filter for water purification process. The whole system has a plurality of disadvantages, such as complex piping connections, inconvenient installation and replacement, multi-joint connection, and more potential leakage points.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art to at least some extent.

For this, the present disclosure provides an integrated composite filter which has simple structure, and is convenient to replace.

The present disclosure further provides a water purification system including the integrated composite filter described above.

An integrated composite filter according to embodiments of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a shell defining a chamber therein, and defining a raw water inlet, a pretreated water outlet, a pretreated water inlet, a pure water outlet and a waste water outlet which are in communication with the chamber respectively; a pretreating filtering element disposed within the chamber; a filtering membrane disposed within the chamber. The pretreating filtering element and the filtering membrane are sequentially positioned between the raw water inlet and the pure water outlet as well as the waste water outlet, and the pretreating filtering element is positioned between the raw water inlet and the pretreated water outlet, and the filtering membrane is positioned between the pretreated water inlet and the pure water outlet as well as the waste water outlet.

With the integrated composite filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the pretreating filtering element is disposed between the raw water inlet and the pretreated water outlet, and the filtering membrane is disposed between the pretreated water inlet and the pure water outlet, the waste water outlet. The water filtered by the pretreating filtering element can be exhausted from the pretreated water outlet, then passes through the pretreated water inlet to be further filtered after passing through a booster device, each component of the integrated composite filter is disposed in the integrated composite filter, thus making the integrated composite filter more compact in structure, and easy to assemble.

In addition, the integrated composite filter according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further have the following additional technical features.

In some embodiments, the integrated composite filter further includes a central tube. The pretreating filtering element includes an installation tube configured as a hollow cylinder and a filtering assembly fitted over the installation tube, a water inlet channel communicated with the raw water inlet is defined between the filtering assembly and the shell, and a pretreated water outlet channel communicated with the pretreated water outlet is defined between the filtering assembly and the installation tube. The central tube is mounted within the installation tube, is spaced apart from the installation tube to define a filtering chamber communicated with the pretreated water inlet, and defines an end communicated with the pure water outlet and a water inlet hole in a sidewall of the central tube. The filtering membrane is disposed within the filtering chamber and around an outer peripheral wall of the central tube, a waste water channel communicated with the waste water outlet is defined between an outer peripheral wall of the filtering membrane and an inner peripheral wall of the installation tube.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element includes first to third filtering layers sequentially fitted over the installation tube from outside to inside, the first filtering layer is constituted by a PP cotton, the second filtering layer is constituted by an activated carbon fiber winding layer, the third filtering layer is constituted by one of a PP cotton, a microfiltration membrane and an ultrafiltration membrane, a water inlet channel communicated with the raw water inlet being defined between the first filtering layer and the shell, a pretreated water outlet channel communicated with the pretreated water outlet being defined between the third filtering layer and the installation tube.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element further includes: an upper end cover disposed around a periphery of an upper end of the installation tube; a lower end cover disposed around a periphery of a lower end of the installation tube, the filtering assembly being disposed between the upper end cover and the lower end cover; a supporting tube defining a plurality of through holes penetrated therethrough, and fitted over the installation tube and positioned between the upper end cover and the lower end cover, the filtering assembly being disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the installation tube and an inner peripheral surface of the supporting tube.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element further includes: an inner tube defining a plurality of water passing holes penetrated therethrough, and fitted over the installation tube, an inner peripheral surface of the inner tube being spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the installation tube, the filtering assembly being fitted over the inner tube.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element and the filtering membrane are formed in a nested manner.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element and the filtering membrane are formed coaxially.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element defines the filtering chamber therein, and is detachably inserted into the filtering chamber.

In some embodiments, the raw water inlet is configured as a single hole, the pretreated water outlet and the pretreated water inlet are formed in a nested manner, and the pretreated water inlet is nested within the pretreated water outlet.

In some embodiments, the pure water outlet and the waste water outlet are formed in a nested manner, and the pure water outlet is nested within the waste water outlet.

In some embodiments, the pretreated water outlet is formed in a lower portion of the shell and below the raw water inlet, the pure water outlet is formed at an upper portion of the shell, and an upper end of the central tube is open and communicated with the pure water outlet.

In some embodiments, the first filtering layer is constituted by a non-woven winding layer, and the third filtering layer is constituted by a CRN microfiltration membrane; or the first filtering layer is constituted by a PP cotton with a thickness of 5 microns, and the third filtering layer is constituted by a PP cotton with a thickness of 1 micron; or the first filtering layer is constituted by a winding PP cotton, and the third filtering layer is constituted by an ultrafiltration membrane.

In some embodiments, the filtering membrane is a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane or a nanofiltration membrane.

A water purification system according to embodiments of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes an integrated composite filter according to embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the water purification system further includes a booster pump, the booster pump defines a water inlet communicated with the pretreated water inlet and a water outlet communicated with the pretreated water outlet.

In some embodiments, the water purification system further includes a booster pump defining a water inlet communicated with the pretreated water outlet and a water outlet communicated with the pretreated water inlet.

In some embodiments, the water purification system further includes: a water suction pump communicated with the pure water outlet; and a water storage device disposed between the water suction pump and the pure water outlet.

In some embodiments, the water storage device is a flexible water bag. In some embodiments, a waste water ratio solenoid valve is disposed at the waste water outlet.

Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of present disclosure will be given in part in the following descriptions, become apparent in part from the following descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following descriptions made with reference to the drawings, in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a sectional view of a pretreating filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectional view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a top view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a water inflow process;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a pure water outflow process;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a schematic view of an integrated composite filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a waste water outflow process;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a water path diagram of a water purification apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure. The same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions.

In the specification, it is to be understood that terms such as “central,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the present invention be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.

In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance or to imply the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature defined with “first” and “second” may include one or more of this feature. In the description of the present invention, “a plurality of” means two or more than two, unless specified otherwise.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “coupled,” and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications of two elements, which can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, an integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a shell <b>20</b>, a pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and a filtering membrane <b>40</b>. The shell <b>20</b> defines a chamber <b>21</b> therein, and defines a raw water inlet <b>22</b>, a pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, a pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, a pure water outlet <b>25</b> and a waste water outlet <b>26</b> which are in communication with the chamber <b>21</b> respectively. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> are both disposed within the chamber <b>21</b>, and sequentially positioned between the raw water inlet <b>22</b> and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> as well as the waste water outlet <b>26</b>. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is positioned between the raw water inlet <b>22</b> and the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> is positioned between the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> as well as the waste water outlet <b>26</b>.

That is, from the view of an water flow direction, during a process of using the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>, water sequentially passes through the raw water inlet <b>22</b>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, then is divided into pure water and waste water at the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, and flows out from the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and the waste water outlet <b>26</b>, respectively.

Therefore, with the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is disposed between the raw water inlet <b>22</b> and the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> is disposed between the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> and the pure water outlet <b>25</b>, the waste water outlet <b>26</b>. The water filtered by the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> can be exhausted from the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, then passes through the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> to be further filtered after passing through a booster device, each component of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> is disposed in the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>, thus making the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> more compact in structure, and easy to assemble.

In some embodiments, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> further includes a central tube <b>30</b>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> includes an installation tube <b>10</b> and a filtering assembly, the installation tube <b>10</b> is configured as a hollow cylinder, the filtering assembly is fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b>, a water inlet channel <b>27</b> communicated with the raw water inlet <b>22</b> is defined between the filtering assembly and the shell <b>20</b>, and a pretreated water outlet channel <b>23</b> communicated with the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> is defined between the filtering assembly and the installation tube <b>10</b>.

The central tube <b>30</b> is mounted within the installation tube <b>10</b>, is spaced apart from the installation tube <b>10</b> to define a filtering chamber communicated with the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, and defines an end communicated with the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and a water inlet hole <b>31</b> in a sidewall of the central tube <b>30</b>. The filtering membrane <b>40</b> is disposed within the filtering chamber and around an outer peripheral wall of the central tube <b>30</b>, a waste water channel <b>29</b> communicated with the waste water outlet <b>26</b> is defined between an outer peripheral wall of the filtering membrane <b>40</b> and an inner peripheral wall of the installation tube <b>10</b>.

First, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes an installation tube <b>10</b> and a plurality of filtering layers, the installation tube <b>10</b> is configured as a hollow cylinder extended in an up-down direction, the plurality of filtering layers are sequentially fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> from outside to inside. The plurality of filtering layers may be two filtering layers, and may also be three filtering layers, i.e. two or three filtering layers may be sequentially fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> from outside to inside in a radial direction of the installation tube <b>10</b>.

Therefore, as the plurality of filtering layers are sequentially fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is simple in structure and easy to assembly, and the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is designed integrally, and can be replaced together all at once after the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> expires, thus solving the problem of frequent replacement of different filters for consumers and reducing the cost.

When the plurality of filtering layers are two filtering layers, the plurality of filtering layers include a PP layer and an activated carbon layer from outside to inside, the PP layer is constituted by a PP cotton or a PP non-woven winding layer, the activated carbon layer is constituted by an activated carbon fiber winding layer or an activated carbon rod layer. The two filtering layers are simple in structure, convenient to wind, and easy to install and replace.

The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following when the plurality of filtering layers are three filtering layers.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes an installation tube <b>10</b>, a first filtering layer <b>11</b>, a second filtering layer <b>12</b> and a third filtering layer <b>13</b>.

Specifically, the installation tube <b>10</b> is configured as a hollow cylinder extended in an up-down direction, the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are cylindrical, and sequentially fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> from outside to inside. The first filtering layer <b>11</b> is constituted by a PP cotton, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> is constituted by an activated carbon fiber winding layer, the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is constituted by one of a PP cotton, a microfiltration membrane or an ultrafiltration membrane.

In other words, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure mainly consists of the installation tube <b>10</b> and three filtering layers sequentially fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b>, the three filtering layers are the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> in turn from outside to inside in a radial direction of the installation tube <b>10</b>. The first filtering layer <b>11</b> is constituted by a PP cotton, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> is constituted by an activated carbon fiber winding layer, the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is constituted by one of a PP cotton, a microfiltration membrane or an ultrafiltration membrane.

That is, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> does not include an adsorption structure which may produce fine carbon powders, and does not need to be washed after initial installation since no fine carbon powders flow out. The plurality of filtering layers are integrally disposed on the installation tube <b>10</b> respectively, and have basically identical service life, and thus can be replaced together after the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> expires.

Therefore, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is configured as such a structure which consists of the first to third filtering layers without fine carbon powders. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> with such a simple structure does not need to be washed during initial installation since no fine carbon powders flow out. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is designed integrally, and can be replaced together all at once after the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> expires, thus solving the problem of frequent replacement of different filters for consumers and reducing the cost.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> further includes: an upper end cover <b>14</b>, a lower end cover <b>15</b> and a supporting tube <b>16</b>. Specifically, the upper end cover <b>14</b> is disposed at a periphery of an upper end of the installation tube <b>10</b>, the lower end cover <b>15</b> is disposed at a periphery of a lower end of the installation tube <b>10</b>, in which the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are disposed between the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b>. The supporting tube <b>16</b> is fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> and positioned between the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b>, in which the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the installation tube <b>10</b> and an inner peripheral surface of the supporting tube <b>16</b>, the supporting tube <b>16</b> defines a plurality of through holes <b>161</b> penetrated therethrough.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> includes the installation tube <b>10</b>, the upper end of the installation tube <b>10</b> is provided with the upper end cover <b>14</b> extended in the radical direction of the installation tube <b>10</b>, the lower end of the installation tube <b>10</b> is provided with the lower end cover <b>15</b> extended in the radical direction of the installation tube <b>10</b>, the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are disposed between the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b>, the supporting tube <b>16</b> is disposed outside the third filtering layer <b>13</b>, and upper and lower ends of the supporting tube <b>16</b> are abutted against the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b> respectively. Therefore, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> of such a structure can effectively ensure the overall structural stability on the basis of simple structure.

Further, in some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> further includes: an inner tube <b>17</b> fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b>, an inner peripheral surface of the inner tube <b>17</b> is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the installation tube <b>10</b>, upper and lower ends of the inner tube <b>17</b> are abutted against the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b> respectively, the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is fitted over the inner tube <b>17</b>, and the inner tube <b>17</b> defines a plurality of water passing holes <b>171</b> penetrated therethrough.

That is, the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are not nested around the installation tube <b>10</b> directly, but nested around the inner tube <b>17</b>. The inner tube <b>17</b> is fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> and spaced apart from the installation tube <b>10</b> to define a pretreated water outlet channel <b>28</b>, and the inner tube <b>17</b> defines a plurality of water passing holes <b>171</b> communicated with pretreated water outlet channel.

Specifically, when the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used, the raw water enters the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> via a plurality of through holes <b>161</b> in the supporting tube <b>16</b>, and then enters the pretreated water outlet channel via the plurality of water passing holes <b>171</b> in the inner tube <b>17</b> after passing through the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> sequentially. Afterwards, the pretreated water pretreated by the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is exhausted from the pretreated water outlet channel, and may be further filtered.

In some embodiments, upper and lower end surfaces of the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are abutted against the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b> respectively, the installation tube <b>10</b> is integrally formed with the upper end cover <b>14</b>, and the inner tube <b>17</b> is integrally formed with the lower end cover <b>15</b>. Thus, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> has a plurality of advantages, such as more compact structure, molding convenience for each component, high stability, simplified assembly process, and reduced cost.

In some embodiments, the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, i.e. the PP cotton, may be constituted by a PP non-woven winding layer, and may also be constituted by a folding PP non-woven or a winding PP cotton. The second filtering layer <b>12</b> is constituted by an activated carbon fiber winding layer, and may also be constituted by an activated carbon rod or may be made of a granular activated carbon, an acid activated carbon and other materials with adsorption function. The third filtering layer <b>13</b> may be constituted by a high precision microfiltration membrane or an ultrafiltration membrane.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first filtering layer <b>11</b> is a PP non-woven winding layer, and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is a microfiltration membrane. In some specific embodiments, the first filtering layer <b>11</b> is constituted by a PP cotton with a thickness of 5 microns, and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is constituted by a PP cotton with a thickness of 1 micron. In other specific embodiments, the first filtering layer <b>11</b> may also be constituted by a winding PP cotton, and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is constituted by an ultrafiltration membrane.

Preferably, in some embodiments, an inner diameter of the third filtering layer <b>13</b> ranges from 60 mm to 70 mm, the difference between the inner diameter of the third filtering layer <b>13</b> and an outer diameter of the first filtering layer <b>11</b> ranges from 15 mm to 20 mm, and the height of the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> ranges from 100 mm to 110 mm in the up-down direction. Further, the inner diameter of the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is 65 mm, the difference between the inner diameter of the third filtering layer <b>13</b> and the outer diameter of the first filtering layer <b>11</b> is 18 mm, and the height of the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is 106 mm in the up-down direction.

Therefore, the service life of the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> of the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> with such a structure can be ensured to be as consistent as possible, and the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> can be replaced together after the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> expires, thus solving the trouble of frequent replacement of different filters for consumers, ensuring that all the filtering layers are fully utilized, and avoiding the waste of a certain filtering layer.

The integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a shell <b>20</b>, a pretreating filtering element <b>100</b>, a central tube <b>30</b> and a filtering membrane <b>40</b>. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is a pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to above embodiments of the present disclosure.

Specifically, the shell <b>20</b> defines a chamber <b>21</b> therein and is formed with a raw water inlet <b>22</b>, a pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, a pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, a pure water outlet <b>25</b> and a waste water outlet <b>26</b> which are in communication with the chamber <b>21</b> respectively. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is mounted within the chamber <b>21</b> and extended in an axial direction of the chamber <b>21</b>, and includes the installation tube <b>10</b>, the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> in above embodiments. A water inlet channel <b>27</b> communicated with the raw water inlet <b>22</b> is defined between the first filtering layer <b>11</b> and the shell <b>20</b>, and a pretreated water outlet channel <b>28</b> communicated with the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> is defined between the third filtering layer <b>13</b> and the installation tube <b>10</b>.

The central tube <b>30</b> is mounted within the installation tube <b>10</b> and extended in the axial direction of the installation tube <b>10</b>, and spaced apart from the installation tube <b>10</b> to define a filtering chamber communicated with the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, a first end of the central tube <b>30</b> is communicated with the pure water outlet <b>25</b>, the central tube <b>30</b> defines a plurality of water inlet holes <b>31</b> in a sidewall thereof. The filtering membrane <b>40</b> is disposed within the filtering chamber and around an outer peripheral wall of the central tube <b>30</b>. A waste water channel <b>29</b> is defined between an outer peripheral wall of the filtering membrane <b>40</b> and an inner peripheral wall of the installation tube <b>10</b>, and is communicated with the waste water outlet <b>26</b>.

That is, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure adopts the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> which consists of the first to third filtering layers without fine carbon powders, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> can pretreat the raw water, the pretreated water can be filtered again by the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, such that the pretreatment is combined with post-treatment to ensure the water purification effect.

As the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has above technical effects, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure also has corresponding technical effects, i.e. the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> has simple structure, and does not need to be washed during initial installation since no fine carbon powders flow out; the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is designed integrally, and can be replaced together all at once after the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> expires, thus solving the problem of frequent replacement of different filters for consumers and reducing the cost.

In addition, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> constitute the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>, and the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> may have basically identical service life and may also be replaced together, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is connected with the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, thereby making the structure compact, with less potential leakage points between pretreatment and post-treatment components, thus ensuring the whole performance of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> further includes: an upper end cover <b>14</b>, a lower end cover <b>15</b> and a supporting tube <b>16</b>. Specifically, the upper end cover <b>14</b> is disposed at a periphery of an upper end of the installation tube <b>10</b>, the lower end cover <b>15</b> is disposed at a periphery of a lower end of the installation tube <b>10</b>, in which the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are disposed between the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b>. The supporting tube <b>16</b> is fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b> and positioned between the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b>, in which the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> are disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the installation tube <b>10</b> and an inner peripheral surface of the supporting tube <b>16</b>, the supporting tube <b>16</b> defines a plurality of through holes <b>161</b> penetrated therethrough.

In some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the filtering membrane <b>40</b> is wound around the central tube <b>30</b>, an upper end of the central tube <b>30</b> defines the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and an upper pretreated water inlet hole communicated with an upper end of the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, a lower end of the central tube <b>30</b> defines a lower pretreated water inlet hole communicated with a lower end of the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, the central tube <b>30</b> defines a water inlet hole <b>31</b> communicated with the filtering membrane <b>40</b> in a sidewall of the central tube <b>30</b>, and a pure water outlet channel communicating the water inlet hoe <b>31</b> with the pure water outlet <b>25</b>.

Specifically, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is positioned between the pure water inlet <b>22</b> and the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, the filtering membrane <b>40</b> is positioned between the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> as well as the waste water outlet <b>26</b>. The upper pretreated water inlet hole and the lower pretreated water inlet hole are communicated with the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> respectively.

The integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure can replace the multi-stage filter of the water purification system in the related art by integrating the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> with the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, such that not only can the tube connection be simplified, the installation and replacement is more convenient, but also the amount of the joints and thus the potential leakage points can be reduced. Moreover, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> after integrating the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> with the filtering membrane <b>40</b> enables the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> to have basically identical service life, thus eliminating the problem of frequent replacement of filters and dramatically decreasing the usage cost.

In addition, since the central tube <b>30</b> is formed with the upper pretreated water inlet hole and the lower pretreated water inlet hole, the pretreated water after boosted can flow into the filtering membrane <b>40</b> to be filtered from the upper end and the lower end of the central tube <b>30</b> at the same time, thereby the amount of water can be increased by increasing the water flow capacity, thus satisfying the requirement of drinking while filtering. Therefore, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure integrated with a plurality of water purification filter materials can simplify the tube connection, installation and replacement of the water purification system with less potential leakage points, can improve the user experience, decrease the usage cost, have large flow capacity, and satisfy the requirement of drinking while filtering.

The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> further includes the inner tube <b>17</b> which is fitted over the installation tube <b>10</b>, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube <b>17</b> is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the installation tube <b>10</b>, the upper and lower ends of the inner tube <b>17</b> are abutted against the upper end cover <b>14</b> and the lower end cover <b>15</b> respectively, the third filtering layer <b>13</b> is fitted over the inner tube <b>17</b> which defines the plurality of water passing holes <b>171</b> penetrated therethrough.

Specifically, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is mainly constituted by the shell <b>20</b>, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b>, the central tube <b>30</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, in which the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is mounted within the shell <b>20</b>, the water inlet channel <b>27</b> is defined between the supporting tube <b>161</b> of the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the shell <b>20</b>, the water inlet channel <b>27</b> is communicated with the raw water inlet <b>22</b>, the raw water entering the shell <b>20</b> from the raw water inlet <b>22</b> enters the water inlet channel <b>27</b> first.

The supporting tube <b>16</b> of the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> defines the plurality of through holes <b>161</b>, the raw water in the water inlet channel <b>27</b> sequentially enters the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> via the plurality of through holes <b>161</b>, the pretreated water pretreated by the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b> enters the pretreated water outlet channel <b>28</b> between the inner tube <b>17</b> and the installation tube <b>10</b> from the plurality of water passing holes <b>171</b> in the inner tube <b>17</b>, the pretreated water outlet channel <b>28</b> is communicated with the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, the pretreated water may flow out from the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> (as indicated by arrows in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>).

The pretreated water flowing out from the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> may be boosted by a booster device, and the boosted pretreated water then enters the shell <b>20</b> from the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, and enters the filtering chamber between the central tube <b>30</b> and the installation tube <b>10</b> (as indicated by arrows in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). The pretreated water filtered by the filtering membrane <b>40</b> is divided into pure water and waste water. The pure water enters the central tube <b>30</b> from the water inlet holes <b>31</b> in the central tube <b>30</b> and then flows out from the pure water outlet <b>25</b> (as indicated by arrows in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>). The waste water flows out from the waste water outlet <b>26</b> after passing through the waste water channel <b>29</b> between the filtering membrane <b>40</b> and the installation tube <b>10</b> to complete the discharge of the waste water (as indicated by arrows in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>).

Therefore, the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has reasonable structure. Since the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> has no granular activated carbon, there are no fine carbon powders flowing out during initial installation, and thereby the whole integrated composite filter <b>200</b> does not need to be washed for a long time, thus simplifying the installation procedure.

In some embodiments, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> are formed in a nested manner. The pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> may be disposed at an outside of the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, and may also be disposed at an inside of the filtering membrane <b>40</b>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> is preferably disposed at the outside of the filtering membrane <b>40</b>, thus facilitating the fitting of the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> with other structures.

Further, in some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> and the filtering membrane <b>40</b> are formed coaxially. Preferably, the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> defines the filtering chamber therein, and can be detachably inserted into the filtering chamber. Therefore, an assembly of the pretreating filtering element <b>100</b> of such a structure, the filtering membrane <b>40</b> and the shell <b>20</b> is more reasonable in structure and more convenient to perform.

In some embodiments, the raw water inlet <b>22</b> is configured as a single hole, the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> are formed in a nested manner, and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> is nested within the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>. Further, the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and the waste water outlet <b>26</b> are formed in a nested manner, and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> is nested within the waste water outlet <b>26</b>.

That is, in the shell <b>20</b> of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure, except that the raw water inlet <b>22</b> is configured as a single hole, the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> are formed in a nested manner, and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and the waste water outlet <b>26</b> are formed in a nested manner, i.e. the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> is nested within the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> is nested within the waste water outlet <b>26</b>.

Therefore, individual tubes of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> of such a structure are fitted with each other more conveniently, thus reducing the joints connected with an outside and leakage points. Moreover, the individual water paths of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> are distributed more reasonably, thus enabling the overall structure of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> to be more compact, which facilitates the miniaturization design of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>.

In some embodiments, the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> is formed in a lower portion of the shell <b>20</b> and below the raw water inlet <b>22</b>, the pure water outlet <b>25</b> is formed at an upper portion of the shell <b>20</b>, an upper end of the central tube <b>30</b> is open and communicated with the pure water outlet <b>25</b>.

That is, the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> formed in a nested manner are positioned near the lower portion of the shell <b>20</b>, and the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and the waste water outlet <b>26</b> formed in a nested manner are positioned near the upper portion of the shell <b>20</b>, the raw water inlet <b>22</b> is formed above the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>.

When the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> of such a structure is used, the raw water enters the shell <b>20</b> from the raw water inlet <b>22</b> at the lower portion of the shell <b>20</b>, and then flows out from the outer hole, i.e. the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b>, of the nested composite holes at a lower portion of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> after being filtered by the first filtering layer <b>11</b>, the second filtering layer <b>12</b> and the third filtering layer <b>13</b>. Then, the pretreated water enters the shell <b>20</b> from the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> after being pressurized. Afterwards, the pretreated water flows upwardly from a bottom of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> and enters the filtering chamber, and is filtered by the filtering membrane <b>40</b> to divide the pretreated water into pure water and waste water, and the pure water and the waste water are exhausted from the pure water outlet <b>25</b> and the waste water outlet <b>26</b> respectively.

Therefore, the water path of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> of such a structure is designed more reasonably, which facilitates the flow and filtration of the raw water, thus improving the water purification efficiency of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b>.

In some embodiments, the filtering membrane <b>40</b> may be a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane or a nanofiltration membrane. Therefore, the filtering membrane <b>40</b> not only is convenient to assemble, but can reasonably control the cost of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> on the basis of guaranteeing the filtering effect.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the water purification system <b>300</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to above embodiments of the present disclosure. As the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has above technical effects, the water purification system <b>300</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure also has corresponding technical effects, i.e. the water purification system <b>300</b> has a compact overall structure and less leakage points, and does not need to be washed during initial installation, and individual filtering layers of the integrated composite filter <b>200</b> have basically identical service life and can be replaced together all at once, such that the water purification system <b>300</b> is easy for consumers to use.

In some embodiments, the water purification system <b>30</b> further includes a booster pump <b>50</b>, the booster pump <b>50</b> defines a water inlet communicated with the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and a water outlet communicated with the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>. That is, the booster pump <b>50</b> is disposed between the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> and the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b>, the pretreated water flowing out from the pretreated water outlet <b>23</b> can enter the pretreated water inlet <b>24</b> after being boosted by the booster pump <b>50</b> to be further filtered, thus improving water purification effect.

In some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the pure water outlet <b>25</b> is communicated with a water suction pump <b>70</b>, a water storage device is disposed between the water suction pump <b>70</b> and the pure water outlet <b>25</b>. Preferably, the water storage device is a flexible water bag <b>60</b>. Further, a waste water ratio solenoid valve <b>80</b> is disposed at the waste water outlet <b>26</b>.

The pure water flowing out from the pure water outlet <b>25</b> can enter the flexible water bag <b>60</b>, a micro-switch or a reed of the flexible water bag <b>60</b> gives a signal to a control board of the water purification system <b>300</b> after the flexible water bag <b>60</b> is full of the pure water, then the control board gives a signal to close the booster pump <b>50</b> and a switch at the raw water inlet <b>22</b>, thus making the water purification system <b>300</b> stop working.

Other components and operations of the water purification system <b>300</b> according to embodiments of the present disclosure are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment”, “another example,” “an example,” “a specific example,” or “some examples,” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “in another example,” “in an example,” “in a specific example,” or “in some examples,” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments cannot be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments without departing from spirit, principles and scope of the present disclosure.